Caught sight of the news that Kyoto will be raising hotel taxes in 2026?
To be exact, for room rates between 20,000 to 50,000 JPY (approx. 174 SGD to 435 SGD) per night, visitors will have to pay 1,000 JPY (approx. 8 SGD) per person per night.
As for accommodations over 100,000 JPY (approx. 871 SGD) per night, the tax will be at 10,000 JPY (approx. 87 SGD).
If approval is granted by the city assembly, the rise in taxes will be a nightmare come true for Japan lovers.
So perhaps 2025 is the year you should visit Kyoto before traveling gets a little too expensive in 2026…
Here’s a list of award-winning hotels in Kyoto to book a stay in.
Hotel The M’s Kyoto is less than a 10-minute stroll from Kujo Subway Station, which puts you a quick ride from all of Kyoto’s must-sees, including the Kyoto Station Building and Sanjusangendo Temple—both under 1.5 km away.
They have rooms for duos to quartets.
Having opened its doors in 2021, this fairly new hotel is here so you can ditch the cramped hostels.
Solo Kyoto-trotting or hanging with your travel crew?
However you explore Kyoto, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi has your back with attractions right at your fingertips—stroll 3 km to browse stalls at Nishiki Market or marvel at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Osaka International Airport is just a 45-minute drive away.
Comes with a range of single and connecting rooms that cater to all types of travelers.
Fuel up at the hotel’s breakfast buffet for just 1400 JPY (approx. 13 SGD).
This Lunar New Year, it’s time to shed the old and embrace the new—just like the snake! Singtel Prepaid is giving you the chance to start the year on a winning streak with exclusive Singtel hi!Rewards! If you are a Singtel Prepaid user, you could unlock exclusive cash rewards, gold bars, or even a free cup of bubble tea —all with a simple tap on your phone.
From cash prizes to tasty treats, Singtel Prepaid is delivering a lineup of rewards that will make your Lunar New Year extra special:
$888 cash – 15 lucky winners will receive this auspicious prize to start the year with abundance.
Eu Yan Sang Abalone – Perfect for your reunion dinner or a special gift, with 18 sets up for grabs.
Pretti Gold Bars – Sparkle your way into the new year with this luxurious prize, available for 45 winners.
LiHO TEA Classic Milk Tea with Pearl – The perfect pick-me-up for almost everyone!
Tap Your Way to Prosperity with the Money Tree
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Tap the Money Tree and here’s where the magic happens!
Each tap unveils an exciting reward—whether it’s cash, gold, or a tasty surprise, the thrill is guaranteed.
3. Claim Your Prize:
If you’re one of the lucky winners, you’ll be notified instantly. Follow the simple steps in the app to redeem your reward.
It’s really that simple and every top-up brings you closer to amazing rewards.
Singtel Prepaid Makes Total Sense with Singapore’s Fastest 5G network and unlimited* SG-MY 5G data
If you’re tired of contracts and surprise bills, Singtel Prepaid might just be the perfect solution for you. It’s designed for people who want flexibility without sacrificing quality, especially with Singapore’s fastest 5G network backing it up. Even if luck doesn’t strike this time, you’re still a winner with the incredible benefits of Singtel Prepaid plans.
Here’s what really sets Singtel Prepaid apart:
You get total freedom—no contracts, no strings attached, and no unexpected charges.
The data options are generous, whether you’re looking for 80GB a month or unlimited 5Gdata access.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Plans include up to unlimited* SG-MY 5G data—perfect for seamless cross-border connections.
And the best part? Unused data and talktime rolls over when you top up before the plan expires, so you’re never wasting what you don’t use.
So whether you’re playing for prizes or just enjoying the benefits of seamless, reliable connectivity, Singtel Prepaid ensures you’re always on the winning side.
For those who love a good value comparison, here’s how the plans stack up:
It’s flexible, simple, and perfect for staying connected without the hassle of contracts. Plus, topping up is a breeze—do it directly from hi!App or at any authorized retailer. For even more convenience, set up auto-renewal top-ups via hi!App > Monthly Plans, and do a one-time setup using your debit or credit card. If you’re not yet a Singtel user, grab a new $15 Singtel SIM card at any authorized retailer or 7-Eleven.
If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead or just wants peace of mind knowing you’re getting value for your money, Singtel Prepaid ticks all the right boxes.
Get Started And Win
Getting started is easy: sign up or top up and head to hi!App. The money tree is waiting for you to tap your way to amazing prizes, from cash to gold and even a little bubble tea delight. Who wouldn’t want to kick off the year with $888 in their pocket?
Don’t let the luck pass you by. Visit www.singtel.com/hirewardsto find out how to start winning today.
This Lunar New Year, turn every top-up into a step toward fortune, fun, and fabulous rewards. Make the most of your year with Singtel Prepaid!
Discover how to use loans strategically for personal and business growth. Learn about payday loans, SME loans, and financial planning tips for a secure future.
While this may sound ordinary, loans for managing money can be more than a safety net. They can be stepping stones toward big dreams. Whether you’re looking to expand your small business, cover emergency expenses, or invest in yourself, using loans strategically can make all the difference.
Here’s a practical guide that will help you navigate financial planning with loans without getting overwhelmed.
Why Loans Are More Than Just Borrowing
Loans are mostly misconceived as a last resort for people in financial turmoil. But the fact? Loans are a powerful financial tool whenever used wisely.
Think of them as your partners in your financial journey. They are there to help you seize opportunities, solve problems, and pave the way for growth. The key lies in knowing how and when to make use of it.
1. Borrow to Invest in Yourself
Sometimes, the best investment you can make is in yourself. Be it funding a professional course, earning a certification, or pursuing a degree, using loans for education or development of skills will yield benefits over a long period of time. This kind of investment not only increases your earning potential but also makes you more competitive on the job market.
Payday loans can be a godsend to bridge quick funding to cover immediate-term expenses in pursuit of your goals.
2. Loans for Business Expansion
For most small and medium-sized businesses, it is access to capital that makes the difference in scaling up, not just staying operational. A loan for an SME can give your enterprise that boost it needs when creating new talent, making investments in new equipment, or embarking on launching a new product.
It is, therefore, more convenient for you to get your funds through a number of options specifically tailor-made in Singapore for owners of businesses.
Interested in SME loans? Take a look at Capitall to see how they can help you expand your enterprise.
3. Manage Short-Term Needs with Payday Loans
Life has a way of throwing those unexpected expenses into our laps. Be it an unplanned medical bill, urgent repairs in the house, or a travel need cropping up all of a sudden, payday loans can bring quick respite.
These loans are meant for short-term financial gaps; hence, they have shorter approval and repayment periods. Just be sure to borrow only what you can comfortably repay.
4. Consolidate Debt for Better Financial Health
Overwhelmed with a lot of loans or debts? A debt consolidation loan is one that helps you put all of them together into a single, supermanageable payment. This makes budgeting easier and can even lower your overall interest rate to save money in the long run. Consolidating debt is smart when anyone has to juggle high-interest debts.
5. Establish a Good Credit History
One of the best ways to build a strong credit history is by taking loans and repaying them in time. A good credit score opens doors to larger loans with better interest rates in the future. Start small with manageable loans, repay consistently, and watch your financial reputation soar.
6. Plan Big Life Events Without Stress
Great moments in your life, such as marriage, buying a home, or starting a family, usually bear big price tags. Loans can make such events more manageable, as the cost is divided into smaller portions over a great deal of time. Just be sure to budget well and borrow only what you’re comfortable repaying.
7. Emergency Preparedness
Nobody likes to contemplate emergencies, but one should be prepared for them. Loans act like a financial cushion during contingencies, whether it is a medical emergency or a case of sudden loss of a job. Knowing you have access to quick funding provides peace of mind during challenging times.
8. Understand the Terms of the Loan
Be certain, before signing on the dotted line, that you understand every single condition of your loan. In particular, look for:
Interest Rates: Fixed rates come with fixed, predictable payments, while variable rates can fluctuate.
Repayment Tenure: The shorter the tenure, the bigger the EMI but the lesser the overall cost.
Hidden Fees: Check for any mention of processing fees, late payment fines, or even prepayment penalties.
Take time to understand the details of what is being discussed in order to avoid surprises in the future.
9. Choose the Right Loan for Your Needs
Not all loans are created equal. Here are a few popular options:
Payday Loans: These loans are ideal for urgent short-term expenses.
Personal Loans: Great for major life events or debt consolidation.
Sites such as OMY Singapore allow you to compare loans and choose the one that fits your needs.
10. Know When to Seek Help
If you are confused about taking which loan and how much, never feel shy to go for advice. Financial experts will explain your options for you and plan your financing. Similarly, being a businessman, consulting with a financial expert can keep you correctly utilizing loans for your benefit.
Successfully Managing Loans: Tips
Taking a loan is only half the journey. The other half is taken care of when you see to it that you run it responsibly. Here come some tips:
Create a Repayment Plan: Budget your monthly income to include your loan payments.
Avoid Overborrowing: Only borrow what is truly needed.
Set Reminders: Set up an automatic deduction or calendar reminder so you will never have to worry about missing a due date.
Communicate with lenders: If you’re having trouble making payments, reach out to your lender and talk about options for restructuring or deferring.
Loans as Tools, Not Loads
The golden rule is quite simple: loans are to work for you, not against you. They’re tools to help you get to where you need to go, instead of anchors holding you down from an economic perspective.
Prepare a plan in place for how the funds are going to be utilized effectively, loans can unlock possibilities one never thought available to him or her.
Think Long-Term
While loans can solve immediate problems, they’re also an opportunity to think long-term: scale your business, build your dream home, or set yourself up for a secure financial future. The right loan can help you get there faster.
Conclusion
Loans, if correctly leveraged, can be your best allies in your journey in finance. From payday loans, for emergency needs, to SME loans for a company’s expansion, knowing how to choose and manage a loan is what makes a person financially fit.
Access to exploring choices gets easy with platforms such as OMY Singapore. The bottom line should, therefore, be to borrow thoughtfully, plan profoundly, and use loans on what you want to turn to in the future. Use proper monetary strategies to realize your objectives without compromising your financial strengths to a great extent.
First up, we have this intensely moisturizing sheet mask with a soft biocellulose sheet that hugs every curve and contour like a second skin.
Hyaluronic acid and juicy watermelon extract combine to quench parched complexions, while aloe vera soothes and refreshes.
As the mask works its hydrating magic, don’t be surprised if a crisp citrusy scent from lemon and orange peel oils starts bringing a smile to your face.
After a relaxing 20 minutes, peel it off and flaunt your post-mask glow.
Pamper yourself with pure botanical bliss in just 10 minutes using Sephora Collection’s Fiber Face Mask(s), a multitasking, skin-quenching dream, fusing hyaluronic acid with plant extracts.
The nourishing coconut variety soothes and restores with its formula.
Clogged pores? Reach for the mattifying matcha to detox and clarify; lemon works to purify too!
Lychee brings a burst of juicy moisture for an envious glow while thirsty complexions should drink up the watermelon’s plumping serum.
And blueberry works overtime to perfect radiance.
These vegan sheet masks are your shortcut to a spa-worthy ritual right from home.
Last but not least, we have Dr.Jart+’s Ceramidin™ Cream Mask.
It’s a godsend for dehydrated complexions as it delivers a rich cream infusion packed with ceramides that boosts skin’s moisture barrier by an impressive 31% while providing 24 hours of hydration.
But despite the powerful moisturizing punch, the ‘airy-tex’ fabric lets skin breathe easily and move naturally.
This means you don’t have to deal with suffocating stickiness.
Instead of flaky dryness, you will peel away to a supple glow thanks to the blend of olive fruit oil and shea butter that softens and smooths.
Dermatologist-tested and safe to use on various skin types.
Among all the countries my husband and I have explored in Asia, Japan reigns supreme as our top pick. If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in sushi, soaking in hot springs, or wandering neon-lit streets, this is your sign to book that ticket.
Learn why Japan is calling louder than ever.
THE YEN MAKES JAPAN IRRESISTIBLE
Japan’s tourism scene is on fire, fueled by the yen’s historic depreciation. In March 2024, Japan welcomed an astounding 3.14 million foreign visitors, smashing the previous record of 3.08 million set in March 2023.
Why the boom? The yen’s slide to a 38-year low against the dollar has made Japan a bargain-lover’s paradise. For Singaporeans, S$100 now gets you over 11,465 yen, compared to just 8,000 yen before the pandemic. This increased purchasing power is a game-changer for foodies, shopaholics, and adventurers alike.
Despite slightly rising commodity prices in Japan, the weaker yen ensures visitors can still enjoy more bang for their buck. Whether it’s a luxurious wagyu dinner or trendy streetwear, the yen stretch is undeniable.
MORE FLIGHTS, MORE CONVENIENCE
Traveling to Japan has never been easier. Airlines are responding to surging demand by adding more routes. For instance, Air Japan, a subsidiary of ANA Holdings, launched its Tokyo Narita-Singapore route in April 2024, with one-way fares starting at 17,500 yen. Affordable flights? Yes, please!
Image Credits: unsplash.com
HOT SPOTS AND MORE
The usual suspects like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido continue to charm travelers, but there’s more to explore. Hokuriku, with its breathtaking coastal landscapes and tranquil temples, is quickly emerging as the next must-visit region.
For travelers craving a mix of iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path experiences, Japan offers an endless array of discoveries waiting to be made.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
Japan’s economy is gaining momentum, with wages rising and inflation cooling off. The government’s stimulus programs are aimed at promoting growth, with projections suggesting 1.2% economic growth for fiscal 2025. While there are challenges such as managing increased tourist traffic and infrastructure demands, Japan is rising to the occasion.
WHY GO NOW
The yen’s weakness isn’t just a travel perk; it’s an open invitation to experience Japan’s vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and world-class hospitality without breaking the bank.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Whether you’re a seasoned Japan traveler or planning your first visit, there’s never been a better time to say “konnichiwa”.
Celeste Elle
MoneyDigest
Anna Agoncillo
